Perera shines for Sri Lanka

Mirpur: Thisara Perera’s brilliant counter-attack played a crucial role, leading Sri Lanka to a 13-run victory over Bangladesh in the first ODI, on Monday, giving the visitors a lead in the three-match series.

Perera smashed an unbeaten 80 off 57 balls to lift Sri Lanka from a hopeless 67 for eight in the 22nd over to 180 all out after Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field, here, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Sri Lanka later hit back to bowl the hosts out for 167 in the 40th over of the rain-curtailed match.

Bangladesh, riding opener Shamsur Rahman’s 62 off 49 balls and 44 from Mominul Haque, were cruising at 114 for two in the 20th over before their batting collapsed.

Angelo Mathews claimed three wickets and off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake took two as Bangladesh lost their last eight wickets for just 53 runs. Perera proved to be the hero for Sri Lanka after the visitors were left in tatters.